Hundreds of years ago the ancestors of the Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro) were bred with English Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Bloodhounds brought to the new world by the Spaniards. The result was a breed with the incredible scenting talents of a Bloodhound that also had strength and courageous tenacity. These characteristics made the Fila exceptionally well suited to protect the ranches and cattle of the Minas Gerais area against thieves and pumas.

Another common use for the Fila was on hunting forays to first track, then attack and hold the prey while the hunter caught up to take over. Actually “Fila” comes from a Portuguese word that means “to hold” or “to “secure”. Capturing runaway slaves was another way they were employed at one time.

The Fila is probably the only breed that for hundreds of years was selected specifically for their strong dislike of people they were not raised with. Even today in competition, temperament tests are run that require the dogs to attack without any prompting, to maintain self-confidence during the shooting test, and to clearly demonstrate a distrust of strangers.

There are two characteristics of the Fila that are noteworthy. First, the gait of the Fila is very unique to its breed. They move both legs on the same side of the body at the same time, rather than diagonally as all other dog breeds do. The other characteristic found in this breed is its leg and spine joints. These joints are loose allowing the Fila to change their direction suddenly and quickly, even running at a full speed.

Obviously like his ancestors, the English Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Bloodhounds, this is a large dog. He stands between 27 to nearly 30 inches tall at the withers. A small one weighs no less than 100 pounds. Certainly the female is slightly smaller yet they are still quite large as well. The female Brazilian Mastiff weighs in around 90 pounds, with a height that ranges between 24 to nearly 28 inches.

The coat of the Brazilian Mastiff is short and sleek. Colors include solid reddish tan, yellow, as well as black and brindled colors. It is interesting that Filas typically have a sad look to them while they are at rest. However, when they are active at the activities they were bred their appearance becomes energetic, alert and determined. It’s as if they are happiest when at work.

The Brazilian Mastiff is a bold, resolute and composed dog who shows self-confidence and courageousness, even in situations that are unfamiliar. They do not conceal their dislike of strangers but toward their human family they are usually very affectionate, gentle, loving and protective and are exceptionally loyal.

This is not a dog that just anyone can own. Even responsible owners will find the Fila challenging in certain situations. When you have a Brazilian Mastiff at home, having a weekly cleaning service or an occasional visitor in your home would require special consideration and management. As a result Filas need conscientious and cautious owners who recognize the need of early socialization of their puppy.

Learn Brazilian Portuguese – for beginners.

This is a Brazilian Portuguese Kelly and friends Commercial, Barbie’s little sister. Also known as Shelly Amigas, Colecionáveis, Esportitas e Casa na Árvore da Kelly A brincaderia e mais fofa com e irma da barbie Rough English You make friends, You were collecting, Esportitas and House in the Tree of the Kelly A brincaderia and more soft with and sister of barbie

Learn Brazilian Portuguese – for beginners.

Most of you would think that writing about Brazilian women should be an easy task, right? Not really… Since the “Girl from Ipanema” days in the 50´s, all the way to glorious Giselle Bundchen, Brazil women have shown their genetic gift for beauty. The purpose of this article is an attempt to rank the current Top 5 most dazzling Brazilian Brunettes.

Before we review this ranking, we would like to describe a bit of the selection criteria we considered. To join this ranking, Brazilian beauties would necessarily need to have a “Brazilian Look”, which normally means dark hair, brown eyes, and sun-tanned skin. Another very important selection criterion was body shape. Since we up-front defined the “Brazilian Look” as a must for this list, catwalk type models were avoided. Curves are an essential item for a true Brazilian Brunette, or “morena” in Portuguese. A good set of body proportions goes without saying.

Finally, apart from proving a brief biography of each selected personality, we also explained why the dazzling Brazilian brunette was chosen to be a part of this unique ranking.

Top Brazilian Brunette # 1: Nat?a Guimar?. Short Biography: Model,former Miss Universe Brazil. Nat?a Guimar? won the title in April 14 2007 beating out over 26 other contestants from states and the Federal District, Bras?a. On May 28, 2007, Nat?a competed in the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant held in Mexico City, Mexico. She finished as the 1st runner up. Nat?a Guimar? won this poll with almost a third of the votes. Why in the TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes Ranking? If an E.T. from Mars landed on Earth and asked me to appoint the best example of a Brazilian brunette that would be her. Long perfect straight hair, sensual curves, imaginative dark and unparalleled smile confers Nat?a Guimar? the number 1 post.

Top Brazilian Brunette # 2: Juliana Paes. Short Biography: Actress, former model and drum queen. Juliana Paes is the typical Carioca Girl. Cover girl for several Brazilian magazines, she is considered the top sensual symbol in Brazil. Juliana was also ranked by “People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People” in 2006. Juliana gained famed after successful leading role participations in GLOBO TV soap-operas. She has also done some cinema, musicals, theater plays, and even some fashion shows. As a multi-talented artist Juliana has proven she has more than a gorgeous body. Why in the TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes Ranking? Juliana Paes is the equivalent of Marilyn Monroe in Brazil and is still considered by many Brazilians as the sexiest woman alive in the country. In addition to her lively personality, Juliana has fascinating eyes and nearly perfect curves. Juliana is our silver medalist. Juliana Paes genetic backgrounds include the native Indians of Brazil, Negro and European roots.

Top Brazilian Brunette # 3: Nat?a Anderle. Short Biography: Model. Nat?a Anderle is 22 years old and was born in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, a state in the south of Brazil. Nat?a Anderle was crowned Miss Brazil Universe 2008 at a beauty pageant held in the Citibank Hall, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Why in the TOP 20 Brazilian Brunette Ranking? Natalia Anderle has beautiful long legs, thin nose and shiny straight dark hair. Her eyes are of rare symmetry and are very Brazilian. Natalia will definitely reach the limelight.

Top Brazilian Brunette # 4 : Mariana Fel?o. Short Biography: Model, until four years ago, no one in Brazil had ever heard of this wonder girl from the country-side of Sao Paulo. Mariana had a tough life from the moment she was born. For a long time she modeled and also worked as a fisherwoman, until was invited to join a reality show, where she showed all her charisma and personality. Why in the TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes Ranking? Our fourth position goes to Mariana Fel?o´s dazzling eyes and low-key personality. Mariana shows it is possible to be a tall model, and display natural Brazilian curves. Her beauty may be a simple one, but in this case, less means much more.

Top Brazilian Brunette # 5: Camila Pitanga . Short Biography: Actress, Model. Camila Pitanga is the daughter of actor Antonio Pitanga and actress Vera Manh?. Camila started her carrier as a model and studied acting and interpretation at Tablado Theater school. Slowly she showed her great talent as an actress. Some of her most important project included soap-opera Para? Tropical” as Bebel, movies such as “Saneamento B?co, O Filme”, “Noel: The Samba Poet”, “Bendito o Fruto,” in 2004 and 2006 the movie “Mulheres do Brasil” playing a character called Esmeralda. Camila is surely a name Hollywood producers should keep an eye at. Why in the TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes Ranking? Camila Pitanga has an exquisite skin color and elegant pose that makes 10 out 10 foreigners go crazy. To a certain extent, Camila is perfect example of Brazil’s irresistible melting pot.

We hope our readers were able to depict through this article the visual identity of an authentic Brazilian brunette, as well as the essence of the “Brazilian look”. We believe one of the reasons why Brazil has so many beautiful women is a direct result of the “melting pot factor”, with a perfect blend of several different genetic backgrounds intermingling in harmony. More important than beauty alone, all of the Brazilian muses listed above are true talents in their artistic careers. As John Keats wrote in 1819, “‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty, – that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”